Strategically Focused Research Networks

The AHA Board of Directors has approved the topics for the next two Strategically Focused Research Networks (SFRN). The fourth SFRN will focus on WOMEN and the fifth SFRN will focus on HEART FAILURE.

The announcement of these two new Network topics is the culmination of review and discussion among members of our Board and our scientific leadership over the past few years and is an extension of our longstanding commitment to research focused on women’s cardiovascular health and heart failure. The AHA is interested in the science community exploring all aspects of these two topics, which can assist the AHA in reaching its 2020 Goals and overall mission of building healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. To that end, the AHA pursues research from the basic, clinical and population sciences.

A Network is comprised of three to four institutions, or Centers, working on three projects each that are focused on one strategic area.

Similar to the previous SFRNs, the next two Networks will have their own Request for Application which will require that each submission have an overall application from the Center Director, as well as three proposals from project Principal Investigators in the following science areas:

One proposal addressing basic science discovery

One proposal addressing clinical science discovery

One proposal addressing population science discovery

A Center application can comprise projects from more than one institution, as long as there is a named sponsoring institution, where the Center Director is located and will manage the oversight and financial responsibilities. Thus, applications should convey how these different areas of science will be integrated, both in their scientific discoveries and through joint team communication and integration.

Postdoctoral Fellowship Position Available

Currently, there is a postdoctoral fellowship position at Medical College of Wisconsin for those who have a strong interest in hypertension-related research, commitment to team science, excellent communication skills, and a recent or expected M.D. and/or Ph.D. degree are required.

Please email your CV and a cover letter to Dr. Allen W. Cowley, Jr. and explain how you meet the requirements of the position and your career plans in your cover letter.

Currently, there is a postdoctoral fellowship position at Northwestern University for those who have a strong interest in disparities research in the fields of cardiovascular disease or chronic kidney disease as part of a multi-disciplinary team science approach to identifying novel social and biological mechanisms of the higher risks of heart failure, kidney disease and death among minorities and the socioeconomically disadvantaged. Fellows are required to have completed a postgraduate doctoral degree (MD, PhD, DO, ScD or other) prior to beginning the fellowship.

Applicants must provide a CV or resume, a statement of interest and two letters of recommendation. For additional information, please email Rachel Cameron.

What is a Strategically Focused Research Network (SFRN)?A Strategically Focused Research Network (SFRN) is comprised of three to four institutions, or Centers, working on three projects each that are focused on one strategic area. To view a previous RFA, look for the RFA Archive box on the right side of this page.

Whatdoes a Strategically Focused Research Network (SFRN) look like?A Strategically Focused Research Network includes three or four institutions each working on three separate projects. For more information about the look and feel of a SFRN, view this illustration.

How often will an SFRN be available for funding? Starting in 2014-2015, the AHA will begin funding two of these Networks each year with launches occurring approximately every six months. Read more about our current funding opportunities.

How much funding will be available with each Network?Each Network will receive $12-15M in funding.

BackgroundThe AHA has always been interested in the science community exploring all aspects of basic, clinical and population science which can assist the AHA in reaching its 2020 Goals and overall mission of building healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Throughout 2011-2012, the AHA conducted an extensive discussion among all AHA stakeholders to determine what the key attributes and guiding principles should be as AHA strengthens and enhances its commitment to CV and neurosciences research as it drives toward its Mission.

AHA Research Summit The AHA hosted a Research Summit in May 2012 to support AHA’s goal of developing the most impactful, dynamic and productive research program possible through 2020 and beyond. In June of 2012, the Research Committee was charged, by the AHA Board of Directors, with the integration into the current portfolio of the 12 Essential Elements that were the product of the Research Summit. In October 2012, the AHA’s Administrative Cabinet, Scientific Advisory & Coordinating Committee and Board of Directors reviewed the progress of the Research Committee and made recommendations for the committee.